The Xbox 360 won’t be left out amid the buzz surrounding the much-anticipated and just-launched Xbox One. That’s what Microsoft Vice President Phil Spencer revealed in an interview to GameSpot Asia. Microsoft is set to make a huge announcement for its aging Xbox 360 at the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) Event on June 11, 2013.
Microsoft plans to sell 25 million new consoles of Xbox 360 in the next five years, reaching a total of 100 million units since its 2005 debut. To this end Microsoft is probably working on a new design for Xbox 360 to boost sales. Till date, an estimated 77.2 million units have been sold. To reach the new target, Microsoft will have to sell an average 1.25 million units per quarter over the next five years.
It is likely that Microsoft will update the Xbox 360 interface to match the new Xbox One, similar to the facelift it gave for its aging smartphones when switching to Windows Phone 8. In 2010, Microsoft introduced the slim version of Xbox 360. Spencer recalled adding Minecraft to the console in 2012, and the resultant sales of six million units.
It is likely that the price of Xbox 360 will be lowered. Currently, the 4GB model costs $199 while the 250GB model costs $299. Several Xbox One games, such as Call of Duty: Ghosts will be available on the Xbox 360 as well. Battlefield and FIFA publisher have announced continued support for Xbox 360.
The news has kindled the enthusiasm of Xbox 360 owners. Microsoft’s strategy for the aging console seems to make sense, at least until Xbox One gains foothold, and also because Xbox One does not support Xbox 360 games. So, Xbox 360 has much life in it for years to come, as the company Vice President put it.